The DNP Capstone Project course facilitates the identification of the student’s scholarly project, development of a project proposal, and the implementation and evaluation of the project. The project is derived from the immersion practice experience.

Detailed Description of Content of the Course

The DNP Capstone project is derived from the practice immersion experience in which DNP students apply principles of information management for decision-making and evaluation of programs and nursing practice. Students design advanced leadership and change projects for practice inquiry and management. Students will propose and implement a clinical project within the guidelines proposed in the Essentials of Advanced Practice (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2008). Projects may include but are not limited to evaluation of practice or outcomes research projects, a clinical portfolio, a decision tree, or a clinical protocol. Institutional Review Board approval for projects will be secured as necessary.

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

May include but are not limited to: faculty/student directed discussions and presentations, reading assignments, written work, and conferences with faculty advisors. Because the course is online, audio or video presentations/lectures, discussion boards, chat rooms, videoconferencing, and other instructional technology strategies may be used for communication purposes.

Goals and Objectives of this Course

Upon completion of the course the student will:

1. Critically appraise published evidence used for clinical decision-making.
2. Develop an evidence-based project proposal appropriate to a selected population.
3. Demonstrate integrity in the protection of human rights for those who participate in the project.
4. Critically evaluate project implementation and evaluation results.

Assessment Measures

May include but are not limited to oral presentations, and publishable paper.